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Listen while you read: "My Jesus I Love Thee"1 (Lyrics) |
I was folding my husband's jeans and checking the hems for frays. That's how I determine at a glance which are his work jeans versus his dress jeans. The thought came to me that when we live our lives in Christ, we become like a pair of work jeans that is frayed on the ends — less than perfect — but like what Jesus would wear to do His work through us in this world, for when we become Christians, we "put on" Christ.
Galatians 3:27 – For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (NIV)
Romans 13:14 – Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (NIV)
When we live in Jesus, we are able to tap into the power of God, and He can accomplish great things through us.
John 14:12 – Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do will he do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. (NKJV)
Our divine God partners with us, even though you and I are like a frayed pair of jeans, imperfect, yet ready to work.
The fact is that God not only partners with us, but He also ordains works for us to accomplish.
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (NKJV)
Just think of the significance. Even though we are like a frayed pair of jeans, the Jesus in whom we live, being the express image of the glory of God the Father, creates us with a divine purpose. Therefore, we are useful to God, and we get to have fun of discovering what our purpose is.
As we live our lives, frays may come, as on the hems of our jeans, but we are more useful to God because we know that we need His empowerment to live productive lives.
Let's take the limits off what we can imagine accomplishing, and bring His kingdom forward as we work for Him.
What is a work that you want to accomplish with God's empowerment? Pray with me:
Prayer: Father God, like the frayed jeans, thank You for my weaknesses. I know that all the good things that I can accomplish will happen only as I lean into Your grace-filled bosom. Especially when I have reached a goal, keep me humble and dependent upon You. Help me to proclaim Your goodness throughout the world. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
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Thanks for this encouraging devotional. Blessings.
Thanks, Diane. I like your metaphor of the frayed jeans.
Dear Diane,
Thank you for such an encouraging devotional as God helps us to improve on our Christian journey. Many blessings.
Dear Diane Virginia Cunio.
These powerful words:
“When we live in Jesus, we are able to tap into the power of God, and He can accomplish great things through us.”
Keep writing for Jesus’ sake.
Thanks you.
Greetings Diane,
Thank you for this devotional. An excellent analogy of the “frayed jeans” and the empowerment of following our Lord’s guidance. Truly, even if we have some “frays”, the Lord can use us to do His work on earth to brighten the lives of others in His way.
Blessings,
(B.C.)
Thank you millions.
Well ya know, gotta stay humble cause pridefully I got good at re-lighting pilot light (on my new hwt) around ten times so far. The first time I prayed and was “scared” of it. Then later it was me showing the calves. 700 or so now (my neighbors over the road) oh! And the sky!
Psalm19
And yup for sure I’m frayed! God bless your ministry!